On Addiction, Complexity, and Freedom: Toward a Liberation-Focused Addiction Treatment

This article outlines a liberation-focused model of addiction treatment. Drawing on the Latin root word "addictus", addiction is seen as slavery and freedom, rather than the cessation of drug and alcohol use, is proposed as a viable, alternative treatment goal. Freedom is defined as: (1) t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychoactive drugs 2019-01, Vol.51 (1), p.85-92
Main Author: Kellogg, Scott
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addiction psychotherapy
addiction treatment
Behavior, Addictive - therapy
Drug addiction
Freedom
harm reduction
Harm Reduction - drug effects
Humans
ibogaine
identity theory
Motivation - drug effects
Psychotherapy
Substance abuse treatment
Substance-Related Disorders - therapy
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Summary:This article outlines a liberation-focused model of addiction treatment. Drawing on the Latin root word "addictus", addiction is seen as slavery and freedom, rather than the cessation of drug and alcohol use, is proposed as a viable, alternative treatment goal. Freedom is defined as: (1) the capacity to create a life of social and internal complexity and multiplicity; (2) the ability to make choices from an array of options; and (3) the possibility of engaging in long-term, goal-directed behavior. This vision of personal liberation is then embedded within a biopsychosocial model of care and treatment. Examples of how biomedical, psychological, and social interventions can each serve to promote the goal and experience of freedom and liberation are provided. Engaging in identity projects and using harm reduction interventions and philosophies are also seen as key to this transformative journey.
ISSN:0279-1072
2159-9777
DOI:10.1080/02791072.2018.1564157